Starlite Drive-in
The Starlite Drive-In is a Drive-in theater in Wichita, Kansas.
The Starlite is Kansas's last remaining two-screen drive-in[1] and has the capacity for nearly 1400 vehicles. It is the last remaining drive-in in the Wichita area and one of only five drive-in theaters in Kansas.[2] The Starlite is a popular destination not only for Wichita, but the surrounding area as well.[1] The Starlite is especially appealing to families. Generations of people who experienced the drive-in cinema as part of their childhood bring their children and grandchildren to enjoy the experience.
History
Merta Slothower opened the Rainbow Drive-In on October 1, 1953. The first feature was Fort Defiance (film) starring Dane Clark.[3] T.H. and Merta Slothower owned several Wichita-area theaters, including The Sandra Theater opened in 1939, and The Meadowlark Drive-In, which they opened in 1950.[4]
In 1974, the Rainbow and its concession stand were torn down and a much larger screen and snack bar were built and named the Landmark Drive-In. The first films shown at the Landmark were "Walking Tall" (1973 film) starring Joe Don Baker, and "Junior Bonner" starring Steve McQueen. In 1979 a second screen was built and the Landmark became known as the Landmark Twin.[5]
Jim Gobble purchased the Landmark Twin in 1998 and changed the name to The Starlite Drive-In. Gobble owned and operated the Starlite until his death in December 2015.[5]
The Starlite faced obsolescence in 2013 as the motion picture industry converted from film distribution to Digital cinema technology. Members of the community held a fundraiser to pay a significant portion of the $187,000 price of the two digital projectors needed to keep the theater running.[5]
Jim Gobble willed the Starlite to Chuck Bucinski. The Starlite faced an uncertain future again when Bucinski sold the digital projectors and announced the sale of the Starlite shortly after the close of the 2018 season to an undisclosed party for industrial redevelopment purposes. Again the community rallied to save the Starlite by circulating a petition, holding rallies, raising pledges of $50,000 toward the purchase of new digital projectors to replace the previously fundraised projectors, and engaging city leaders. The Starlite was purchased in early December by an anonymous buyer, who wishes to keep the drive-in operating, instead of by the original bidder.[6]
The Wichita City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 50-915 on December 13, 2018, providing a $200,000 five-year loan at one percent interest for the purchase of new digital projectors. During the proceedings City Councilman James Clendenin stated that the Starlite had been profitable for the ten-year period for which he was able to review the books. He also stated that he never received more email or Facebook messages supporting a project, and that he received telephone calls from across the country urging him to not let the Starlite die.[7][8]
Blake Smith, who co-owns Tulsa's Admiral Twin Drive-In will lease and operate the Starlite. The 2019 season will begin in March.[6][8]
State Manager, Beth Defenbaugh said "It's very important to me that Blake is successful, and we keep it running, and we have the community support behind us 100 percent," Councilman James Clendenin said "Wichita is embracing this drive-in, it's a wonderful piece of the past and a wonderful piece of the future."[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Catlin, Adam. "Wichita's Star-Lite Drive-In Closed Permanently as of Oct. 13". Wellington Daily News. Wellington Daily News. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
- ↑ "These 6 Drive-In Theaters In Kansas Will Give You An Unforgettable Viewing Experience". OnlyInYourState. Retrieved 2018-12-08.
- ↑ "Starlite Drive-In in Wichita, KS - Cinema Treasures". cinematreasures.org. Retrieved 2018-12-08.
- ↑ 360Wichita.com (2017-03-09). "Wichita's Historic Movie Palaces, Theaters, Drive-Ins". 360Wichita.com. Retrieved 2018-12-30.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Riedl, Matt. "Starlite Drive-In to preserve nostalgia, usher in new era for outdoor movies". kansas.com. The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Riedl, Matt. "The Starlite Drive-In is saved: Anonymous Wichitan purchases theater". kansas.com. The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved 2018-12-08.
- ↑ "City Council Proceedings December 18, 2018 Minutes of the Meeting of the City Council". wichitaks.granicus.com. City of Wichita City Council. Retrieved 2018-12-30.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Haynes, Jasmine (2019-01-07). "Wichita's Starlite Drive-In holds open house to meet owner, give donations". ksnw.com. Wichita, KS: KSNW TV. Retrieved 2019-01-08.
External Links
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